What drinking water has lithium in it? Sources, Brands, and Health Considerations

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 U.S. Geological Survey study, naturally occurring lithium is present in groundwater used for drinking water across the United States, with higher concentrations in arid western regions. Understanding the presence of this element in both tap and bottled waters has become a topic of increasing interest among consumers and researchers.

Quick Summary

Lithium naturally occurs in certain tap and bottled mineral waters, with concentrations varying geographically and by source. Specific European mineral waters and groundwater in arid U.S. regions often contain higher levels. Research links trace lithium to potential mental health outcomes, while recent studies raise questions about potential risks at high exposures.

Key Points

Geographic Variation: Lithium levels in drinking water vary significantly, with groundwater in arid western U.S. regions, including Montana, Arizona, and Utah, generally having higher concentrations.
Mineral Water Sources: Several bottled mineral waters, particularly from European thermal springs, are known to contain naturally occurring lithium, including Vichy Catalan and Gerolsteiner.
No US Regulation: The U.S. EPA does not currently regulate lithium in drinking water, but it is gathering data on concentrations in public water systems.
Potential Mental Health Links: Ecological studies have found an inverse relationship between higher natural lithium levels in water and lower suicide rates in populations, but this observational data does not prove causation.
Risk in Pregnancy: A 2023 study found a correlation between higher lithium levels in tap water and increased autism risk in children born in Denmark, prompting calls for more research.
Low Dose vs. Therapeutic: Naturally occurring lithium in water is found in trace amounts, which are thousands of times lower than the therapeutic doses used to treat bipolar disorder.

Sources of Naturally Occurring Lithium in Drinking Water

Lithium, a naturally occurring alkali metal, enters drinking water sources primarily through geological processes. The concentration depends heavily on the interaction between water and mineral-rich rocks and soil.

Geological and Groundwater Sources

Rock and Soil Interaction: As groundwater permeates through subterranean rock fissures, it leaches minerals, including lithium salts, from the surrounding geology. Areas with lithium-bearing minerals, such as granite and pegmatites, and regions with geothermal activity or saline waters, often have higher levels.
Geographic Variation: A 2024 USGS study found that lithium concentrations are higher in groundwater that supplies wells in arid regions of the western and southwestern U.S. These include states like Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Arid vs. Humid Regions: Higher concentrations in arid regions are attributed to factors such as lower rainfall and higher rates of evaporation, which can concentrate minerals in remaining groundwater. In contrast, humid regions tend to have lower levels.

Industrial and Anthropogenic Sources

While natural sources are the primary contributors, some industrial activities can also influence local water quality. As the demand for lithium-ion batteries increases, potential contamination from mining operations, manufacturing, or landfill runoff becomes a factor to monitor. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is gathering data on lithium under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) to assess its prevalence.

Specific Bottled Mineral Waters

Some bottled mineral waters are known to have naturally higher concentrations of lithium. For consumers looking for this specific mineral, these brands may be of interest, though concentrations vary and are typically much lower than therapeutic doses.

Vichy Catalan (Spain): Sourced from a thermal spring in Girona, this naturally carbonated water is among the highest in lithium content, with over 1000 µg/L reported in some studies.
Gerolsteiner (Germany): This popular sparkling mineral water contains around 0.13 mg/L (130 µg/L) of lithium.
San Pellegrino (Italy): This well-known Italian mineral water also has detectable levels, reported at approximately 0.12 ppm (120 µg/L).
Lithia Spring Water (USA): This American brand is sourced from historic springs in Georgia and is known for its high mineral content, including lithium.
Vidago (Portugal): An example of an exceptionally high-lithium water, with concentrations reaching 2.2 mg/L (2200 µg/L).

Health Implications of Low-Dose Lithium in Water

Research into the health effects of naturally occurring, low-dose lithium is ongoing and has yielded mixed but intriguing results.

Potential Benefits and Observational Studies

Ecological studies have observed an inverse correlation between the amount of lithium in a region's drinking water and certain mental health metrics.

Lower Suicide Rates: A 2020 meta-analysis found that higher concentrations of lithium in drinking water were associated with lower suicide rates in the studied populations.
Reduced Dementia Risk: Studies in regions with higher lithium levels have suggested a lower incidence of dementia.

Potential Risks and Concerns

While therapeutic doses of lithium for bipolar disorder have known side effects, the health effects of chronic, low-dose exposure from drinking water are less clear and require further research.

Increased Autism Risk: A 2023 study from UCLA-led researchers in Denmark found a moderately higher risk of autism in children whose mothers had higher levels of lithium in their household tap water during pregnancy. The authors emphasized that this was a correlation, not proof of causation, and called for further investigation.
Thyroid Function: Research has indicated that environmental lithium exposure from drinking water and other sources may affect thyroid function, consistent with side effects seen at therapeutic doses.
Ethical Considerations: The potential for widespread health impacts from low-dose exposure raises ethical questions about water fortification and the need for more robust, randomized studies.

Comparison of Natural Lithium Sources


Source	Typical Concentration	Geographic Distribution	Regulation Status (US)	Primary Consideration
Tap Water	Varies widely (e.g., <1 to 1700 µg/L)	Varies geologically; higher in western US groundwater	Unregulated, currently monitored under UCMR5	Geographic location dictates level; source of widespread, low-dose exposure
Bottled Mineral Water	Highly variable by brand (e.g., Vichy Catalan >1000 µg/L)	Varies by source; brands often originate from specific springs	Generally considered a food product; labels may list minerals	Allows for targeted consumption of higher-lithium water; more expensive
Supplements	Standardized dose; typically in mg range	N/A	Regulated by FDA as dietary supplement	Controlled dosage; for therapeutic use under medical supervision

Conclusion

Lithium is a naturally occurring element found in drinking water, with levels influenced by regional geology, particularly in arid areas. While some bottled mineral waters contain notable amounts, tap water concentrations can vary significantly depending on the local water source, with arid western US regions often having higher levels. Ecological studies suggest potential links between low-dose lithium and mental health outcomes, including lower suicide rates, though causality remains unproven. Conversely, recent research has raised concerns about potential risks, such as the association between higher prenatal exposure and increased autism risk. As the EPA continues to gather data through UCMR5, it is crucial for individuals to understand their water sources and for further research to clarify the long-term health implications of low-dose lithium exposure. Ultimately, for those interested in their water's mineral content, checking with local water utilities or referencing databases like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) can provide more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lithium is a natural element found in rocks and soil. It enters water sources, particularly groundwater, as water dissolves minerals from geological formations it passes through, a process called weathering.

Notable bottled mineral water brands with detectable lithium levels include Vichy Catalan (Spain), Gerolsteiner (Germany), San Pellegrino (Italy), and Lithia Spring Water (USA), though concentrations vary by brand and source.

In the U.S., lithium is not a regulated contaminant in drinking water. However, the EPA requires public water systems to monitor for it under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) to collect data for future regulatory decisions.

Some ecological studies suggest a link between higher natural lithium levels and lower suicide rates and dementia incidence. However, these are observational studies and do not prove that lithium causes these effects; further research is needed.

While trace amounts in water are very low, some studies have raised concerns. For example, research correlated higher prenatal lithium exposure via tap water with an increased autism risk. Other studies have linked high environmental exposure to altered thyroid function.

The microdoses of lithium found naturally in water are thousands of times lower than therapeutic doses. It is unlikely that consuming these small amounts will have a noticeable or therapeutic effect on mood.

To find out the lithium concentration in your local water supply, you can consult your water utility’s water quality report or check databases like the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Independent testing is also an option.

Yes. An early version of 7Up, originally named 'Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda,' contained lithium citrate and was marketed as a hangover cure. However, lithium was removed from the formula decades ago.